Interesting facts

After the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th centrury, there was a high demand for sound, fine wool which was capitalised on by the fledgling colony of Australia. Graziers found that the vast ares of dry pastureland were suited to the fine-wool breeds of sheep. Rams of the Spanish Merino breed were imported and they provided the basic breed lines from the famous Australian Merino originated.
Within 50 years of settlement, wool had become Australia's main export.